Legislators work to control lobbying

This article was published by the Taiwan Headlines on March 17, 2006. It reports that legislators in Taiwan are working on regulating Taiwan's lobbyists and lobby groups, in a bid to present foreigners (including Chinese nationals and groups) from lobbying on matters pertaining to national defense, diplomacy and Chinese affairs.

For example, if the proposed lobby bill is passed by the Legislative Yuan, officials from the United States may be banned from lobbying for the military procurement plan.

Currently, there is no law in Taiwan that is designed to allow for input from private professionals in the government's decision-making process, or to regulate illicit lobbying efforts. While some legislators and scholars argue that high-ranking officials such as the president and the vice-president should not be lobbied at all, others suggest that people should be empowered to articulate their opinions and interests to all levels of government officials, including the legislators, city councillors, county magistrates and mayors.

Meanwhile, under the proposed lobby bill, foreign interests wishing to engage in lobbying activities would have to go through local individuals or groups. On the other hand, Chinese lobbyists would not be allowed to approach government officials for security reasons.

The term "lobbying" is defined as an activity meant to sway the formation, approval, change or abrogation of government policies, resolutions or legislation. Lobbying can be done through verbal, written or electronic mail communication.